The tussocks in the Silver Peaks on Dunedin's backdoor step just occasionally shimmer with the sheen of the precious metal, silver.
More often, they glow with a yellow cast.
The beech tree glades stand tall in their ancient glory, and the rocky outcrops highlight the rugged nature of the ranges.
The Silver Peaks are an increasingly recognised city treasure.
Once the domain of a smattering of trampers, day walkers, some pig hunters and a few trail-bike riders, its use has blossomed since the inspired decision by the Department of Conservation to replace a battered old hut in a shady gully with a functional, sunny structure in a strategic location.
Most weekends, as long as the weather is not foul, a steady stream of people tramp three to six hours to visit or stay at the hut.
Doc has now moved to the next stage with the reserve and, via an online survey, asked for views on its future.
Not surprisingly, staff were pleased to receive almost 200 responses.
These are being analysed and will be considered as policy is developed.
This is an important process because of that growing popularity of the area. As a preliminary look at the responses has shown, the two schools of thoughts are to leave it pretty much as it is or to "improve" it so more can use the reserve.
While the gem cannot be neglected, its uniqueness to Dunedin would be lost if it is over developed.
The city has an abundance of attractive and easier tracks and trails, leaving the Silver Peaks as the one large zone where Dunedinites can experience relative remoteness, where they can pit themselves against something approaching a wilderness.
There are those who point to the dangers of the exposed tops and the regular search and rescues.
The risks, though, are part of the point of the place and part of the challenge.
Skills can be taught and tested, satisfaction gained from outdoor achievements and tricky tracks negotiated - all adjacent to Dunedin.
A plethora of signposts and paths like highways would ruin all that.
As it is, the hazards of disorienting mist or driving cold add an edge to the adventure, while lurking as a danger whatever the "improvements".
Given the likelihood of more untrained and complacent hikers drawn in by changes, the perils at times could be greater.
Signs at the main entrance already make it clear that those going beyond certain points should be experienced trampers.
If that is insufficient, what will be? There can be no accounting for the stupidity or arrogance of those who ignore the signs, those who foolishly venture without proper knowledge, maps or equipment.
Apparently, too, the lack of vehicle access was raised in the submissions.
But that restriction must be maintained if the value of the remoteness is to be retained.
Better access might well also lead to vandalism at the new Jubilee Hut if what happened at Green Hut is any guide.
Being within an hour's walk of the road end, it was regularly vandalised and no longer exists.
Building another new hut is another legitimate option to be considered.
The hovel that is Yellow Hut, due to be removed, is fit only for rats or dire emergencies, and its former attractive outlook is now overgrown.
There are, however, higher priorities than a new hut.
One is to battle noxious weeds.
Broom looms as a hard-to-get-rid-of pest and gorse spreads rapidly.
Sections of the Long Ridge track, once of 4WD width, are now completely blocked by gorse.
This is the access from the Silver Stream and the Waiora Scout camp and should be passable.
Various other tracks criss-cross the area, and new formed routes are unnecessary and detrimental.
It is far better to make sure the current trails are maintained at a basic level than try to extend the network.
The appropriate role for Doc as the public's custodian is to preserve the Silver Peaks for its rugged and relatively remote beauty, and to maintain the reserve so that it provides inimitable opportunities on the outskirts of Dunedin.
